Associação Guias de Portugal
# Associação Guias de Portugal

The Associação Guias de Portugal (AGP; roughly Guide Association of Portugal) is the national Guiding association of Portugal. Guiding in Portugal started in 1919 and became a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1963. The girls-only organization has 3,291 members (as of 2003). Its headquarters are located in Lisbon.

## History

The first Guide group in Portugal was formed in 1911 in Porto, being an overseas group of The Guide Association (UK). This group – and the British Guides on Madeira – supported the development of Portuguese Guide groups in 1919.

In 1930, the AGP was formed; it was officially recognized by the government in 1934, but had to suspend all activities in 1938 due to political unrest. Only the Madeira region could continue its work; it helped the organization to resume activities in 1952.

The AGP became an associate member of WAGGGS in 1963 and a full member in 1975.

## Program and ideals

The association's aims are the formation and the development of girls and young women through the Scout method by four main principles: life in the patrol, life in the outdoors, commitment to the community and progressive programs.

The membership badge of Associação Guias de Portugal shows a trefoil superimposed with an elongate cross fleury, the ends having a shape like a fleur-de-lys.

The association is divided in four age-groups:

* Avezinha - Little Bird (ages 6 to 10)
* Guia Aventura - Adventure Guide (ages 10 to 14)
* Guia Caravela - Caravelle Guide (ages 14 to 17)
* Guia Moínho - Windmill Guide (ages 17 to 21)
